IP Ratings (IP65, IP67, IP68, IP69K)

Every sealed vehicle light carries an IP rating. IEC 60529 defines the code: the first digit (0–6) grades dust protection and the second digit (0–8) grades water protection. A light rated IP67 is fully dust-tight and survives temporary immersion. IP69K sits outside that code entirely, in ISO 20653, and is a separate test rather than a higher step: it covers 80 °C high-pressure jets, the wash-down that matters on farm and construction equipment, and a lamp exposed to both hazards needs both codes.

IP65 vs IP67 vs IP68 vs IP69K

IP65: Dust-tight, protected against low-pressure water jets. Adequate for beacons and interior-facing lamps that are never pressure-washed.

IP67: Dust-tight, withstands immersion up to 1 m for 30 minutes. The working minimum for exterior machinery lighting.

IP68: Continuous immersion, but the depth and duration are agreed between manufacturer and user rather than fixed by the standard, so two IP68 claims need not describe comparable tests. The procedures specify water temperature and not salinity, so the mark carries no information about sea water; what IP68 leaves out for marine use sets out what to ask instead.

IP69K: Sealed against 80–100 bar water jets at 80 °C from all angles. The rating to specify for any machine that is pressure-washed or steam-cleaned: tractors, sprayers, refuse trucks, mining equipment.

What it means for equipment buyers

If your machines are washed down at the end of a shift, specify IP69K. An IP67 light survives rain and mud but repeated hot pressure-washing will eventually breach its seals. Of the 317 models we list, 180 publish an IP figure: 158 at IP69K, 12 at IP67, 4 at IP68 and 4 carrying both. Third-party reports are to IEC 60529 for the immersion ratings and to ISO 20653 for the 9K test; see our heavy duty work lights for IP69K-rated units.